Obituary of Ronald Joseph Southcott

On Sunday, January 17, 2021, at the age of 82, a wonderfully kind and gentle man completed his earthly journey. Born and raised in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, Ronald Joseph Southcott was many things, top among them: a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a treasured friend to a wide circle of people. He possessed an unshakable Christian faith that was firmly rooted in the Roman Catholic Church. He was an educated and intellectual person, the embodiment of the word “gentleman.” With a B.Com. from his beloved St FX University, a B. Ed. from Mount Allison University, and an M.Ed. from Memorial University, Ron spent most of his professional career as Superintendent of the Exploits – White Bay Roman Catholic School Board. Ron was a member of the St. FX Board of Governors, President of the St. FX Alumni Association, and inducted into the university’s prestigious Hall of Honour in 2004. He served as the President of the South and Central Health Foundation in Newfoundland and President of the Grand Falls Rotary Club, and he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding service. Ron was a prolific writer, frequently producing guest editorials for the Evening Telegram, as well as writing a regular column in the Grand Falls Advertiser. Known for his keen wit, quirky sense of humor, and his oratorical skills, he gained a reputation as the “go-to” person when a speech, or a newspaper article, or a sage opinion was needed. While his professional and community accomplishments were impressive, for those he leaves behind his name will be principally associated with music and singing. Take out a guitar, or tickle the piano keys … anytime, anywhere … and Ron’s wonderful tenor voice would be first to strike up a singsong. One of the greatest pleasures of his life was being part of the singing group “Musical Friends” for more than ten years. Even in his last seven years living happily in Bedford, Nova Scotia, as his Alzheimer’s Disease slowly progressed, the desire and ability to sing never left him. Though it is with hearts full of sadness that we had to let him go, we are confident that his beautiful voice has now been welcomed into Heaven’s Celestial Choir. Without doubt he strolled through the Pearly Gates singing, “You are My Sunshine”. Ron was predeceased by his daughter Rhonda; mother Margaret (Wall); father Ronald H; brother John; sister Judith and brother-in-law Andrew Walach; and nephew Robert Southcott. Left with precious memories are his loving wife of 55 years, Rita (Woolridge); sons Richard (Lisa) and Regan (Christa); and granddaughters Olivia and Isabella, whom he adored. Also mourning his loss are his cousin and close friend, Arthur Southcott; niece Pamela Barter (Billy) and their daughter Mackenzie; nephew Peter Walach (Lorraine) and their son Aaron; sister-in-law Margaret Southcott and her sons Keith and Douglas; plus a large number of other relatives and friends. Details on funeral arrangements will be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.